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Frank Ramirez

Frank Ramirez is a native of Southern California and is the senior pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Indiana. Frank has served congregations in Los Angeles, California; Elkhart, Indiana; and Everett, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jennie share three adult children, all married, and three grandchildren. He enjoys writing, reading, exercise, and theater.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Turn Away From A False View -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Most translations have it wrong. Job doesn’t repent in dust and ashes.
Three Impossible Things Before Breakfast -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2018
In the book “Through the Looking Glass,” by Lewis Carroll, the chess pieces come to life, including
Then and Now -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
“Current Events” can be very significant at the time they happen, but they can change and/or grow in
Encountering the holy -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s three scriptures we encounter the holy in different yet related ways, a reminder that
Can't I leave, just for a second? -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2017
While Moses is up on Mount Sinai, his brother Aaron builds a golden calf.
Dramatic Irony -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Agatha Christie’s mystery play The Mousetrap opened in 1952, and it has been running longer
Do not keep silence -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2017
The prophet says he will not keep silent for Zion’s sake.
Extraordinary Effort -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
God is willing to go to any lengths to create us as a people, sustain us in life and death, and brin
According To Plan -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - A -- 2017
These three texts let us know that though the events of Good Friday seem to border on the chaotic, t
Live And Learn -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
These three passages recognize that we all make mistakes -- and some of the mistakes could be disast
How It's Done -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
Our faith is a living faith. We are living temples.
Darkness To Light -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2017
In the season of Epiphany, Jesus is revealed. It’s more than just a question of seeing Jesus.
Landmarks -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Our lives are filled with a combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual landmarks.
Turning The Tables -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
Turning the tables is an effective storytelling device in both comedy and tragedy.
A season not a reason -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2016-17
These three scriptures together point to the reality of the world we live in.
A January Pentecost -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Psalm 29 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2016
I’m not sure I want to steal any thunder from your preaching for Pentecost later this year, but it d
What's it take? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
As we begin the season of Lent we might ask “What’s it take?” What does it take for us to navigate t
Your move -- Genesis 15:1-12 (17-18), Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Have you ever set across from someone during a game -- chess, checkers, or a board game -- and waite
Are you there? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2016
Isaiah 50:4-9a
I know you! -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
To know and to be known are important to our well-being.
The power of words and the Word -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The power of God’s word, spoken and written, is emphasized in several places in scripture.

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God Is Present, No Matter What You Think -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
What does it look like when God is present with us? What do God's emissaries look like?
It's More Than You Think -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther is not just the winner of a beauty contest.
Encountering the holy -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s three scriptures we encounter the holy in different yet related ways, a reminder that
Dramatic Irony -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Agatha Christie’s mystery play The Mousetrap opened in 1952, and it has been running longer

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2024) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - B -- 2024
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2024) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for First Sunday after Christmas Day (2024) -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2024
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Sermon Illustrations for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2024) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2024
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 18:5-8, 15, 31-33
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2024) -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2024
Genesis 1:1-5
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 (2024) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2024) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2024) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2024) -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2024) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2024
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (2024) -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 16 (2024) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 22: 1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 5 (2024) -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
Isaiah 40:21-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2024) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 1:20-33
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday (2024) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2024) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 31:10-31
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2024) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2024) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2024) -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 9:8-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2024) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2024
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2024) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

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See What You Want To See -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishin

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

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Responsibilities! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
Contents “Responsibilities!” by C. David McKirachan
Our Nice, Neat World View -- Exodus 14:19-31, Matthew 18:21-35 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
Contents "Our Nice, Neat World View" by C. David McKirachan
Confronting Injustice -- Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Contents “Confronting Injustice” by C. David McKirachan
Rules -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
Contents “Rules” by C. David McKirachan
The First Christian Bestseller -- Psalm 78:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old…we will tell to the com
Tangled Up in Stuff -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2020
Contents “Tangled Up in Stuff” by C. David McKirachan
Wrong Way Reitway -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Wrong Way Reitway” by John Sumwalt
When the Church Doors are Closed -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2020
There was also a prophet, Anna…. She was of a great age….
The Principle of Paying Attention -- John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Contents “The Principle of Paying Attention” by C. David McKirachan
Transfigured by Figures -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020
Contents "Transfigured by Figures" by Frank Ramirez
Comfable? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents “Comfable?” by C. David McKirachan
What Else Are We Supposed To Pray For? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents "What Else Are We Supposed To Pray For?" by C. David McKirachan
Cries for Help -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - A -- 2020
Contents “Cries for Help” by C. David McKirachan
A Litany in Time of Plague -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Contents “A Litany in Time of Plague” by Frank Ramirez
Here Am I -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Contents “Remembering Our Limitations” by C. David McKirachan
What Words to Use -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Contents “What Words to Use?” by C. David McKirachan
You. Yes, You. -- Acts 2:1-21, Numbers 11:24-30 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
Contents “You. Yes, You.” by C. David McKirachan
Yet to Come -- John 2:1-11, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
Contents “Yet to Come” by Peter Andrew Smith
Shining with Jesus -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), Exodus 34:29-35 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
Contents “Shining with Jesus” by C. David McKirachan
Founded on a Dream -- Luke 13:31-35, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Contents “Founded on a Dream” by C. David McKirachan
Filled with Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
Contents “Filled with Passion” by Peter Andrew Smith
This Doesn't Make Sense -- Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
This Doesn’t Make Sense by C. David McKirachan

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Confronting Injustice -- Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Contents “Confronting Injustice” by C. David McKirachan
Wrong Way Reitway -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Wrong Way Reitway” by John Sumwalt
The Principle of Paying Attention -- John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Contents “The Principle of Paying Attention” by C. David McKirachan

Worship

SermonStudio

I'm That Certain -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16Theme: I'm That Certain
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)Theme: There Must Be Some Mistake
Proper 7/Ordinary Time 12 -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 8:26-39Theme: Legionnaires
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 4:4-7Theme: Say It Again!
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17Theme: Two Ways Of Looking
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:7-18Theme: Fruits Worthy Of Repentance
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 10:22-30Theme: I Know This Guy!
First Sunday In Lent -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:1-13Theme: Satan's Best Shot
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:1-8Theme: Don't Give Up So Easily
What Must We Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11Theme: I Will Explain It Slowly
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14Theme: Take Up The Mantle
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Micah 5:2-5aTheme: Can So
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)Theme: Is That Really You?
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Theme: Just In Case You Forget ...
Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joel 2:23-32Theme: God's Spirit On All
Proper 12/Ordinary Time 17 -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19)Theme: Debt Relief
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 5:1-11Theme: Big Fish, Big Pond
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 10:5-10Theme: This DayCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 1:4-8Theme: Will The Real Jesus Please Stand Up!
Second Sunday In Lent -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:17--4:1Theme: Your Belly Or Your Life
Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Theme: Finish Line
Proper 14/Ordinary Time 19 -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:32-40Theme: Finding Your Heart
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 17:5-10Theme: Heavenly Horticulture
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For September 14, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sheep stuffy or toy.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started!

Did you know that Jesus traveled around and hunted for people who were doing something illegal and breaking the laws? (Let them respond.) He really did.And when he found someone who was doing something illegal, do you know what he did with them? (Let them respond.)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Our text tells us that we are skilled in doing evil (v.22). An anonymous late medieval treatise titled German Theology tells us why:

It is the nature and property of the creature to seek itself and its own things, and this and that, here and there, and in all that it does and leaves undone as desire is to its own advantage and benefit. (Varieties of Mystic Experience, p.162)

Martin Luther King, Jr. offers an alternative to this vision:
David Coffin
All three of today’s texts can be viewed as good news that God never gives up on God’s people. This is despite their resistance to repent or simple straying from the community of faith. We can observe family and loved ones at various points of their faith journey through the lens of each of these texts. Jeremiah 4 informs the people their neglect of honoring their covenant with God is about to result in disastrous consequences. Paul recalls in 1 Timothy 1 how he thought he was falling God’s will until he had his literal come to Jesus moment!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (vv. 6-7)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told stories to illustrate to the people God's gladness whenever anyone turned to him and chose life. There is still rejoicing in heaven whenever any one of us turns to God.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I think I'm too insignificant for you to bother with me.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with other people, but only with myself.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

The psalm writer has an interesting perspective on the origin of injustice in our world. He begins this psalm with the assertion that those who do not believe in God are "fools." He goes on to accuse them of corruption and of being incapable of doing good. Later on he writes, "Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the Lord?" (v. 4).

Elizabeth Achtemeier
"Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them" (v. 12). Ours is a society that does not accept that as the Word of God. Many people do not believe that God judges anyone. Rather, the Lord is a forgiving God, a kindly deity who overlooks all wrong. As in the Gospel lesson for the morning, the Lord searches for the one lost sheep and returns it gently to the fold, or he hunts for the one lost coin until he finds it. God accepts the lost as they are, we think, overlooking Jesus' teaching about repentance and transformation of life.
Scott Suskovic
We usually don't spend too much time thinking about our own sinfulness. On occasion, of course, our feelings of guilt overwhelm us. We can't stop thinking about our sinfulness. If we are in that situation, we may need to talk that out with someone. Apart from times like that, we don't think much about our own sinfulness. We have ways of getting around that.

R. Robert Cueni
Back before the ways of the Taliban became common knowledge, there was a fascinating little article about how they jailed barbers when they didn't do culturally correct haircuts.1 The newspaper reported that young men in Kabul, Afghanistan, have started wearing their hair the way the actor Leonardo DiCaprio wears his. Long, not only on the sides, but so long in the front that hair can drop over the eyes. They call the style, "the Titanic," named for the blockbuster movie starring DiCaprio about the 1912 sinking of the cruise ship by that name.

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